Allen & Heath releases major firmware update for dLive

Called Fistral, This version adds features such as the Automatic Microphone Mixer (AMM), the ability to connect multiple control surfaces to a single MixRack, support for new installation-oriented hardware and new Deep processing models.

The brand distributed in Spain by Audio-Technica Iberia, Allen & Heath, version just released 1.6 firmware for the dLive digital mixing system. Called Fistral, It represents the most important update to date and adds features such as the automatic microphone mixer (AMM), the ability to connect multiple control surfaces to a single MixRack, support for new installation-oriented hardware and new DEEP processing models.

The new automatic microphone mixer can handle up to 64 microphones, with ability to assign microphones to four different AMM configurations, when managing multiple meeting or conference rooms. The system offers two different AMM modes: classical gain distribution or the Number of Open Microphones algorithm (NOM). AMM zones and individual channels can be activated or deactivated using soft keys, GPIO and IP6/8 drivers. AMM is part of the DEEP processing system and, therefore, does not add latency or delay in the signal path.

The ability to use multiple control surfaces simultaneously, with profit tracking, makes it possible for up to four independent dLive control surfaces to control a single MixRack, opening new possibilities in both fixed installations and touring systems, including FoH splits/monitors, sidecar mix and control surface redundancy.

If Gain Tracking is activated on an input channel, Any change in preamp gain may be automatically compensated by the digital trim, ensuring that no unexpected volume changes occur on systems. with every show, Up to four control surface roles can be saved, For example, FOH, MON, REC, etc. In each role it is possible to have access to a range of user-defined scenes, as well as role filters that ensure that no conflicts occur between surfaces when retrieving scenes.

The version 1.6 also provides support for the wide range of recently introduced dLive hardware, including the ultra-compact MixRack DM0, el interface GPIO, the IP1 controller and the new DX expanders. This firmware also allows access to dLive systems over the Internet, allowing remote control and diagnosis.

The palette of embedded DEEP plug-ins has also been expanded, with the addition of the Tube Stage preamp, offering various valve topologies, and the new Mighty compressor emulation, that recreates a legendary and aggressive compressor.

It is inspired by the classic VCA dynamics processor built on a transistor array., allowing it to offer explosive compression and a very fast attack, something that is very useful, For example, in drums and boxes. It also offers the possibility of selecting between peaking or averaging operating modes..

“Fistral focuses on fixed installations, offering solutions for countless applications, from distributed sound to corporate environments, and including invaluable tools for managing meetings and conferences. Besides, We have included new and excellent processing models, and other improvements that the dLive user community has been requesting”, explains Ben Morgan, product manager de Allen & Heath.